Hynish Shore Station: a beacon of maritime heritage

Located on the southern coast of the Isle of Tiree, the Hynish Shore Station was established in the 1830s as the operational base for the construction of the Skerryvore Lighthouse—one of Scotland’s most ambitious maritime engineering feats. Designed by Alan Stevenson, the station played a vital role in supporting the remote lighthouse, located 11 miles offshore on the treacherous An Sgeir Mhòr.

The site originally included over twenty buildings, among them barracks, workshops, a signal tower, and a pierhead store. The barracks housed a workforce of over 100, including 45 stonemasons and their families, as recorded in the 1841 Census. These skilled workers hand-carved more than 4,300 granite blocks, each uniquely shaped and meticulously crafted for the lighthouse.

The signal tower was a key feature, enabling visual communication with the lighthouse via a system of hoisted balls. Other facilities included a smithy, washhouse, cow sheds, and a powder house for storing explosives used in quarrying.

In the late 20th century, the Hebridean Trust acquired and began restoring the site. Today, the Upper Square cottages—once home to lighthouse keepers—have been renovated into family housing. The Alan Stevenson House and Morton Boyd Hall now serve as accommodation and exhibition spaces, preserving the legacy of the station. Hynish Shore Station is now community owned and managed by the Hynish Trust. Hynish Shore Station stands as a testament to Victorian ingenuity, community resilience, and the enduring importance of maritime safety. It remains a cultural and historical landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who built and maintained Scotland’s lighthouses.

Contributed by John Pirie, former lighthouse engineer, on behalf of the Hynish Trust. John lived and worked on many of Scotland's lighthouses, including Skerryvore.

Image courtesy of John Pirie